Learn directly from internationally recognised scientists, researchers, innovators, and STEM leaders through the flagship Principal Lecture series at the London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF).
Designed for students aged 16–21, these lectures provide insight into cutting-edge scientific research, emerging technologies, and global scientific challenges shaping the future.
Principal STEM Lectures are the academic foundation of the London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF). These flagship lecture sessions bring together students from around the world to learn directly from eminent scientists, researchers, innovators, and STEM experts who are leaders in their respective fields.
The lectures are delivered to the full LIYSF student body and form one of the most anticipated and inspiring parts of the programme each year.
Students gain exposure to:
The Principal Lecture programme is updated regularly with confirmed speakers and lecture topics.
Principal STEM Lectures give students the opportunity to engage with scientific ideas beyond the classroom and hear directly from the people driving innovation and discovery globally.
These sessions help students:
For many students, these lectures become defining moments that influence university choices, research interests, and future careers.
A longstanding tradition of LIYSF, the Forum proudly welcomes Nobel Prize Laureates whose discoveries have transformed science, medicine, and society. Their lectures give students a rare opportunity to hear directly from some of the world’s most influential scientific minds and engage with pioneering research shaping the future of humanity.
As part of the LIYSF experience, each Forum begins with a Nobel Laureate keynote lecture. Students are then given the opportunity to ask questions directly to the Laureate and engage in discussion with the speaker of the year. This unique level of academic access is one of the defining features of LIYSF.
LIYSF Principal STEM Lectures are delivered by distinguished scientists and STEM professionals from leading institutions, research organisations, and industries around the world. See below the lecturers that are confirmed for this year’s LIYSF. This page is updated regularly.
Speakers include Nobel Laureates, university researchers, medical scientists, climate and sustainability experts, science communicators, industry innovators, and more.
Each speaker shares not only their expertise and research but also personal insights into scientific discovery, collaboration, and innovation.
Principal Lectures cover a broad range of scientific disciplines and emerging research areas, helping students develop a wider understanding of STEM and its real-world applications.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Space Science and Astrophysics
Biomedical Research and Genetics
Climate Science and Sustainability
Engineering and Robotics
Quantum Physics
Medical Innovation
Environmental Science
Biotechnology
Scientific Ethics and Future Technologies
This interdisciplinary approach encourages students to think beyond a single subject area and understand how science connects globally.
LIYSF regularly welcomes internationally respected scientists, researchers, and innovators who share their expertise and experiences with students from across the world.
Students are encouraged to explore speaker interviews, scientific discussions, and lecture highlights through the LIYSF blog and social media platforms.
Each speaker shares not only their expertise and research but also personal insights into scientific discovery, collaboration, and innovation.
Students attending Principal Lectures benefit from far more than academic learning. The experience helps students:
Build confidence in STEM subjects
Understand global scientific collaboration
Explore future university and career pathways
Improve scientific curiosity and communication
Gain inspiration from real scientific journeys
Connect scientific theory with real-world innovation
The lectures also encourage students to think critically about how science can contribute to solving global challenges and improving society.
Principal Lectures are flagship STEM lecture sessions delivered by internationally recognised scientists, researchers, innovators, and experts during the London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF). These lectures introduce students to advanced scientific ideas, current research, and emerging technologies across multiple STEM disciplines.
The STEM lectures are delivered by leading scientists, university researchers, Nobel Laureates, medical professionals, engineers, technologists, and industry experts from globally recognised institutions and organisations.
The lecture programme covers a broad range of STEM subjects including artificial intelligence, biomedical science, climate science, engineering, physics, space science, sustainability, robotics, genetics, and emerging technologies.
Yes. The lectures are designed to inspire students with different scientific interests and educational backgrounds. Sessions introduce complex scientific ideas in an engaging and accessible way while still providing meaningful academic insight.
In many cases, students can engage with speakers through discussions, Q&A sessions, and other programme activities. These interactions provide valuable opportunities to learn directly from experienced scientists and researchers.
Principal Lectures help students understand how scientific research is applied in the real world and expose them to potential career pathways in STEM. Many students gain inspiration, discover new interests, and develop greater confidence in pursuing science-related studies and careers.
LIYSF brings together students from over 70 countries, creating a global learning environment where scientific ideas, perspectives, and cultural experiences are shared. This international atmosphere helps students understand the collaborative nature of modern science.
Established in 1959, the London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF) is an impartial, accredited not-for-profit social enterprise focused on advancing STEM education and international scientific collaboration.
Each year, students from more than 70 countries participate in LIYSF to:
Explore STEM beyond the classroom
Students experience science through lectures, lab visits, workshops, and real-world scientific environments beyond traditional classroom learning.
Learn from leading scientists
Students gain access to internationally recognised scientists, Nobel Laureates, researchers, and STEM innovators who share insights into groundbreaking discoveries, emerging technologies, and the future of scientific research.
Build global connections
Students from more than 70 countries connect through shared scientific interests, cultural exchange, collaboration, and international learning experiences.
Experience scientific collaboration firsthand
Students discover how teamwork, research, and international collaboration contribute to progress in modern science, technology, and innovation.
LIYSF is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and academically enriching environment that encourages curiosity, innovation, and international understanding.
Students exploring Principal Lectures may also be interested in:
Scientific Visits
Specialist Lectures & Study Days
Science Projects
Social & Cultural Programme
Optional Visits
Accommodation
Student Safety and Welfare
Join students from around the world at LIYSF and experience inspiring STEM lectures delivered by internationally recognised scientists, researchers, and innovators.
Discover new scientific ideas, explore future career possibilities, and become part of a global STEM community.
Professor Joy Hirsch
Professor Dame Ijeoma Uchegbu
Professor Tolullah Oni
Professor John Morton
Professor Brian Bigger
Professor Claire Carmalt
Professor Mark McCaughrean
Dr. Jason Nurse
Dr Dimitrios Kanoulas
Professor Clare Elwell
Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert
Professor Kelly Chibale
Professor Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell
Professor Dame Molly Stevens
Professor Michele Dougherty CBE – Astronomer Royal
Professor Sir Steven Cowley
Professor Jim Al-Khalili OBE
Professor Kevin Fenton CBE
Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock MBE
Dervilla Mitchell CBE
Professor Dame Sue Black DBE
Professor Lord Martin Rees
Professor Christopher Aiden-Lee Jackson
Dr. Michael Londesborough
Professor M. Saiful Islam
Professor Sarah Gurr
Vilas Dhar
Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt
Dr Jeremy Farrar OBE
Professor Hayat Sindi
Professor Lee Cronin
Dr. Gemma Bale
Professor Lord Robert Winston
Professor Monica Grady CBE
Professor Ian Chapman
Dr Howard Haughton
Professor Freya Blekman
Mark Shuttleworth
Professor Richard O’Kennedy
Dr Andrew Szydlo
Dr. Michael Moloney
Professor Hiranya Peiris